American Express is proud to present the 29th Annual Restaurant Trade Program at the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen from Thursday, June 14th to Saturday, June 16th. Your Trade Program experience will include invaluable insights and dynamic conversations from industry leaders at our panel discussions, as well as unique opportunities to network with peers over uniquely curated food and wine offerings at our Trade-only events, all in the spectacular setting of the Rocky Mountains.
The three Trade Program panel discussions will explore restaurant industry-specific topics that will help enhance your business. Please register HERE to secure a seat at the table for the following panels:
T100: Meet the Masters: Lessons from the Journey
Friday, June 15: 9:15 – 10:30 a.m., Hotel Jerome Ballroom
Hunter Lewis will speak with industry leaders Hugh Acheson, Traci Des Jardins, Will Guidara and Gabrielle Hamilton as these chefs and operators share insights about the paths that led them to their current positions as leaders in the field. This conversation will showcase best practices for overcoming obstacles, course correcting, creating opportunities in adverse situations, and more.
T200: The Power of Community: Engage Rally & Inspire
Friday, June 15: 1:30 – 2:45 p.m., Hotel Jerome Ballroom
Andrew Zimmern will moderate this panel discussion with Jen Hidinger-Kendrick and chefs Jose Enrique, Renee Erickson and Marcus Samuelsson. This dynamic group will explore the ways in which the hospitality industry drives positive change in communities. Listen in as the panelists draw on personal experiences of integrating philanthropic efforts into successful business models, while offering best practices for how the hospitality industry can reinvigorate communities and create opportunities for employment and economic growth.
T300: Revenue Revamped
Saturday, June 16: 9:15 – 10:30 a.m., Hotel Jerome Ballroom
Moderator Ashley Christensen will explore creative ways to develop a variety of revenue streams with panelists Andy Chabot, Stephanie Izard, Michael Solomonov and Curtis Stone. During this seminar, panelists will take a deep dive into how successful chefs and operators drive business; specifically, how to utilize various business channels, alter concepts and redirect revenue in order to create more dynamic and profitable opportunities in today’s economy.
In addition to the panel discussions, please register to join us for the following Trade-only events:
TKO: Trade-only Kick-off Party
Thursday, June 14: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Ajax Tavern
Start your Trade Program experience at the base of Ajax Mountain with award-winning chef Ashley Christensen for an exclusive taste of her highly acclaimed North Carolina restaurants, including Poole’s Diner, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey and Death & Taxes. Dishes will be paired with a curated wine list designed by top sommeliers Carlin Karr & Jordan Salcito to round out the menu and elevate each bite. Please RSVP HERE to join us as we kick-off the weekend.
THAP: Trade-only Afternoon Social
Friday, June 15: 2:45 – 4:15 p.m., Hotel Jerome Garden Terrace
Join us for a sustainable seafood party at the newly renovated Hotel Jerome Garden Terrace. Chefs Jose Enrique & Renee Erickson will serve up the coastal flavors of Puerto Rico and the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy these bites alongside premium pours from Sonoma-Cutrer, and conversation with Chardonnay Winemaker Cara Morrison. The Afternoon Social will immediately follow The Power of Community: Engage Rally & Inspire panel. Please RSVP HERE.
On behalf of the teams at American Express and FOOD & WINE, we look forward to welcoming you to Aspen this June!
